Getting there and getting around

Driving access

Byfield is approximately one hour from North Rockhampton, or 30 minutes north of Yeppoon. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed throughout the main section of Byfield National Park and to access Byfield Regional Park. A four-wheel-drive is recommended to access Sandy Point section of Byfield National Park. To assist with navigation, numbered symbols on the map (PDF, 363K)* match numbered signs installed at intersections on park.

Byfield National Park (main section) and Byfield Regional Park

Byfield Regional Park and the main section of Byfield National Park are accessed via Water Park Creek in Byfield State Forest. Water Park Creek is signed along Yeppoon–Byfield Road 2km before Byfield township. Allow one hour from Water Park Creek to reach Five Rocks and Nine Mile beaches or Byfield Regional Park in good weather. Drive with caution in State forest areas as trucks carrying timber share State forest roads.

Byfield National Park (Sandy Point section)

Sandy Point section of Byfield National Park is a 30 minute drive north of Yeppoon and can be accessed via Farnborough Beach (accessed at Bangalee) or Sandy Point Road.

Byfield State Forest

Byfield State Forest is 34km north of Yeppoon via Yeppoon–Byfield Road.

Access to Byfield State Forest is suitable for conventional vehicles; however, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed if you wish to travel into the adjoining Byfield National Park and access Byfield Regional Park.

The unsealed roads to the State forest recreation areas are marked on the sealed Yeppoon–Byfield Road. Drive with caution as trucks carrying timber share State forest roads. Some State forest areas may be closed at times due to forest harvesting operations—check the HQPlantations Queensland website.

Road and track conditions

All publicly-accessible vehicle tracks are shown on the Byfield State Forest and parks map (PDF, 363K)*, please follow on-site directions. Road and track conditions in Byfield can change quickly depending on the weather. Flash flooding and creek rises can cut access on all roads and tracks; visitors have been left stranded at Water Park Creek for days after heavy rain. To check conditions, visitors may like to subscribe to the RSS feed for the Central Coast via the park alerts page. Contact Capricorn Coast Tourist Organisation for local weather and road conditions before leaving.

If intending to drive on the beach, make sure you check local tide times and plan to drive within two hours either side of low tide. Beach driving is safer on the falling tide and on hard sand. The beach speed limit is 50km/hr unless signed otherwise.

Sand driving (PDF, 1.0M)* and four-wheel-driving experience is essential to drive safely in Byfield with minimal impact. The table below is an advisory guide for dry weather conditions only. Driving on dry sand tracks is more difficult and road and track conditions change quickly after rain. The first big hill on Stockyard Point Track (Big Sandy) is highly variable and usually very difficult for first time visitors.

If you are unsure of your driving ability or vehicle capability, or have not driven through Byfield National Park before, go with another vehicle and someone who has been before.

The beach is a shared zone without lanes—watch for other vehicles and pedestrians, and park at right-angles to the wave zone so other drivers can see you have stopped.

Keep to designated tracks to protect the environment and ensure your safety. Designated tracks off the beach are marked with a vehicle access symbol at the entrance to the track.

Surveillance cameras may be operating in the area—see the legislation page for more information.

Boat access

Rockhampton Regional Council provides a formal boat ramp into Water Park Creek at the end of Corbetts Road. Boats may be landed on any of Byfield’s beaches providing it is safe to do so. Vehicle access to boat launching from Byfield’s beaches is only permitted in certain areas and depends on access conditions, which can change over night. If access conditions are suitable, boats may be launched from:

Vehicles and boat trailers must be parked in designated car parks or on the beach out of traffic circulation to ensure safe and easy access for other users. Parking vehicles and trailers on dunes or vegetation is not permitted. Please follow any directions on-site.

Water Park Creek is accessible to motorised boats only to 6km downstream of the causeway. Remember, this waterway and Corio Bay are tidal.

Wheelchair accessibility

Toilets large enough for wheelchairs are provided in Water Park Creek, Upper Stony and Five Rocks camping area, however assistance may be required as the area is sandy and toilets have a small step. There are no railings in the toilets at Five Rocks.

Byfield National Park has no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Park features

Byfield National Park covers over 15,000ha. Massive parabolic sand dunes—the oldest reaching 5–6km inland—occupy most of the southern part of the park. In the north, the rugged pinnacles of The Peaks and Mount Atherton dominate the landscape. Byfield national and regional parks boast outstanding coastal scenery.

These parks conserve large areas of coastal heath growing on low-nutrient dune sands. Tall eucalypt woodlands flourish in sheltered areas and rainforests thrive where there is abundant water. The area also supports many migratory and resident birds.

In the state forest, the coastal range rises from the southern and western part of Byfield State Forest while the northern and eastern parts feature large areas of wallum swamp that are inaccessible during the wet season. Pockets of rainforest thrive on the range and along Water Park Creek, a major stream that feeds into Corio Bay. The area has about 7,000ha of exotic pine plantation and 17,000ha of native forest. Byfield State Forest is used for a variety of recreation and commercial activities including camping, picnicking, walking, four-wheel driving, boating and fishing. Commercial activities include stock grazing, beekeeping and harvesting Byfield fern Bowenia serrulata for sale to florists.

Camping and accommodation

Water Park Creek camp site. Photo: Matt Kayes, Queensland Government.

Red Rock tent camping area. Photo: Matt Kayes, Queensland Government.

Camping

Camping is permitted at three places in Byfield national and regional parks: Five Rocks camping area in Byfield Regional Park, and Nine Mile Beach camping area and Scouts Camp at Water Park Point headland in Byfield National Park.

Camping is permitted at three places in Byfield State Forest: Upper Stony, Red Rock and Water Park Creek camping areas.

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

Byfield camping permits can only be issued for a maximum of seven consecutive nights and are only valid for the number of people and the specific camp site you have booked.

Other accommodation

Byfield township offers a range of accommodation, including cabin-style lodging, and there is a wide range of accommodation available in Rockhampton and Yeppoon. For more information see the tourism information links below.

Walking

Byfields National Park and Regional Park

Improve your fitness while you enjoy the sights but ensure you match the walk to your fitness and mobility. Most of the walks listed below are suitable for beginners but require a moderate to good level of fitness. Undefined tracks require walkers to have suitable navigation skills and experience. The northern peaks have no marked tracks but are popular for longer treks. Contact us for important safety and walking advice if planning to visit remote areas.

From Five Rocks visitor area and Stockyard Point

Details: From the top lookout enjoy uninterrupted coastal views to the north and south. Take a short stroll further along the headland to enjoy a more sheltered lookout to the Keppel Islands group. Please remember the top lookout is an emergency air evacuation point, do not block the road with your vehicle.

Details: Stroll just 250m on a well-formed track through shady foredunes to the base of Orange Bowl sand blow. Continue another 475m across exposed sand to enjoy panoramic views over Byfield’s coast and hinterland. Take a picnic to enjoy at any time of day but walk in the cool of the day.

Details: From the northern end of Nine Mile Beach climb Stockyard Point headland and walk to the eastern-most lookout for uninterrupted views north and south along the coast and out to the Keppel Islands group.

Details: Navigate around Water Park Point headland at low tide to enjoy secluded beaches and views of Corio Bay. Only attempt this walk if you are fit and have navigation and rock-scrambling experience. Sturdy footwear with good grip is required. Leave at least 2hrs before low tide to ensure you have enough time to return safely.

From Sandy Point section

Fishing Creek (Grade: easy)
Distance: 800m returnTime: Allow about 20mins walking time
Details: Take a short walk to Fishing Creek at low tide through mangroves and salt flats. A small sign marks the start of the walk.

Byfield State Forest

Tracks through Byfield State Forest provide more extensive walking opportunities, but most are shared tracks through commercial pine plantations around Upper Stony, Red Rock and Water Park Creek. The coastal range has no marked tracks but is popular for longer treks.

Contact us for important safety and walking advice if planning to visit remote areas.

Picnic and day-use areas

Five Rocks day-use area in Byfield Regional Park offers shady tables for keen picnickers. Toilets and cold showers are just a short walk away in Five Rocks camping area. A walking track provides access to a vehicle-free beach.

All three camping areas in the state forest have adjoining day-use areas with picnic tables and toilets. Upper Stony and Water Park Creek have automatic barbecues, while Red Rock has wood barbecues—you must bring your own clean, milled timber for firewood.

Bicycling

Exploring Byfield State Forest by bicycle is a perfect way to enjoy the area. Main access roads between Byfield businesses, Water Park Creek, Upper Stony and Red Rock are suitable for road cycles—however, be prepared for sections of gravel. Mountain bikes are recommended to explore State forest tracks. Most of the tracks in adjoining Byfield national and regional parks are sandy and unsuitable for mountain biking. Be alert for vehicles when riding.

Horse riding

Horse riding is not permitted in Byfield National Park or Byfield Regional Park or adjacent beaches; however, at Sandy Point horseriding is permitted along Farnborough Beach up to 8.4km north of the Bangalee beach access. Horses are not permitted on the beach adjacent to Byfield National Park.

Horse riding is permitted along most State Forest tracks—however horses are not permitted in Upper Stony or Water Park Creek visitor areas.

Water-based activities

Farnborough, Nine Mile, Little Five Rocks and Five Rocks beaches are popular surfing destinations, while Water Park Creek and Corio Bay are perfect for canoeing and kayaking—Corio Bay and the lower reaches of Water Park Creek are tidal. Findlays and Freshwater creeks on the coast offer a quick, freshwater dip. Creeks may be dry or stagnant after prolonged dry weather, so check conditions before you go.

Freshwater swimming is recommended at Upper Stony, although Stony Creek may be dry or stagnant after prolonged dry weather, so check conditions before you go. Be alert for bullrouts at all times.

Water Park Creek upstream of the causeway is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Launching is possible from the western side of Water Park Creek, just north of the causeway and at council boat ramps. Water Park Creek is accessible to motorised boats only up to 6km downstream of the causeway—see boat access for more information.

Fishing and boating

Corio Bay and Byfield’s beaches are popular fishing destinations. All waters around Byfield are protected marine parks and zoned to balance recreation and commercial use with long-term conservation goals. Farnborough Beach and most of Nine Mile Beach are in a yellow conservation park zone, which allows certain activities and has some limits on line fishing. Corio Bay and the waters east of the yellow zone are, in general use, blue zones. Fish size and bag limits apply—contact the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol for details. Contact NPSR, local bait and tackle shops, or www.gbrmpa.gov.au for a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning map with permitted activities.

Water Park Creek is accessible to motorised boats up to 6km downstream of the causeway; however, please remember that this waterway and Corio Bay are tidal. See boat access for information on boat launch and landing sites.

Vehicle-based activities

Four-wheel driving experience is recommended to drive safely in Byfield parks and forests with minimal impact. Remember all motorised vehicles must be registered and drivers must be licensed. For safety and conservation, vehicles are only permitted on marked tracks.

Viewing wildlife

Anywhere in Byfield's parks will bring you closer to nature; however certain times of year will delight visitors with special displays.

February to March: an ancient cycad—the Byfield fern—fruits at Water Park Creek.

April and August to September (depending on season): heathland wildflowers cloak the dunes in the hinterland of Byfield National Park beaches.

August to September: whales come close to the coast on their migration south.

September to March (peaking December to February): migratory shorebirds roost, feed and nest along the coast and in Corio Bay. In the state forest the vulnerable and endemic Byfield grevillea sets small but beautiful flowers at Upper Stony.

October to April: rainbow bee-eaters bring colour and movement to heathlands and headlands along the coast. Forest pigeons feed at Water Park Creek.

A portable fuel stove as fires are not permitted in Byfield national and regional parks except under strict conditions—read take care with fire.

Animal-proof containers to secure food and waste.

Opening hours

Byfield’s parks and forests are open 24 hours a day although some areas may be temporarily closed due to flooding, fires or timber harvesting on the state forest. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.

Please be aware

Shoalwater Bay Training Area lies to the north of Byfield National Park and includes the land above high water mark on the northern part of Five Rocks (Three Rivers) Beach. Access to this area is prohibited by the Australian Department of Defence. Camping is not permitted on Five Rocks Beach.

Permits and fees

Camping permits

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

Other permits

Various activities conducted in Byfield's parks and forests may require a permit. These activities include commercial tours, social events such as weddings, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and sale of photographs or vision of Byfield's parks and forests. Contact NPSR for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Byfield Regional Park or Byfield National Park—including Sandy Point section and Water Park Point headland—or on beaches adjoining the parks.

They are however are permitted in Byfield State Forest except for Water Park Creek and Upper Stony day use and camping areas. Dogs are allowed in Red Rock visitor area but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Climate and weather

Byfield area has a unique subtropical climate and receives more rain than surrounding areas. It can be hot, humid and wet. The drier months of the year, from April to October, are the best times to visit. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Staying safe

Some areas in Byfield are difficult to access and help can be far away. For a safe and enjoyable visit it is important you are self-sufficient and follow safety advice.

Be prepared for injuries and emergencies.

In an emergency phone Triple Zero (000).

Consider taking a satellite phone as mobile reception is unreliable. Limited mobile reception may be available at Stockyard Point headland in the national park, on the beach at low tide or on the last rise of the road to Upper Stony in the state forest.

Flooding and access

Do not attempt to cross flooded creeks. Heavy local rain, especially November to March, can cut access across creeks and roads. Visitors have been stranded at Water Park Creek for several days after heavy rain. Carry extra supplies in case you get stranded.

Swimming safety

Estuarine crocodiles inhabit the area. Take care particularly in and around Corio Bay and the lower reaches of Water Park Creek. See Be croc wise for further crocodile safety advice.

Bullrouts (freshwater stonefish) live in freshwater creeks. Their sting can be extremely painful. If stung by a bullrout when swimming, immerse the affected area in water as hot as you can tolerate without scalding for 20 minutes and seek immediate medical advice.

Byfield’s beaches have no lifesaving service and some areas have strong currents.

General safety guidelines

Never walk or swim alone. Tell family or friends where you are going and when you expect to return.

Carry a first-aid kit and drinking water. A first-aid kit is essential at all times. Carry extra water in case you take longer than expected.

Wear protective clothing. Venomous bites and heat exhaustion are a danger on land and in the water. Wear sun protective clothing and sunscreen during the day. Good sturdy footwear is recommended to protect against stings and bites on land and in the water.

Watch out for wildlife. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and heed wildlife warning signs. Never put your hands and feet under rocks and logs. Native animals, especially dingoes, can become bold and aggressive if fed. Keep food and scraps stored securely in closed containers or your vehicle so they are not attracted to your camp. See living with wildlife for further advice.

Watch for vehicles. Be alert for vehicles at all times, especially on Farnborough and Nine Mile beaches and on causeways at Upper Stony and Water Park Creek.

Looking after the park

Fire containers at Nine Mile beach camp sites must have legs to keep the fire off the ground and sides must be fully enclosed. Photo: Kelly Smith, Queensland Government.

Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Follow these guidelines to help protect the area's natural and cultural heritage for the future. Please encourage others to do the same.

Nine Mile Beach camping areas. You must bring your own fire container and take it and all coals and ash home with you. Fire containers must have legs to keep the fire off the ground and sides must be fully enclosed.

Bring only clean, milled timber for firewood. Bush wood from outside the park or forest is not permitted as it can bring disease and pests. Collecting wood and kindling from parks is also prohibited as it quickly destroys animal habitat and leaves sites bare.

Always extinguish a fire with water before going to bed or leaving the site to reduce the risk of wildfire.

Protect our waterways

Avoid contaminating water. Take water at least 50m away from creeks to wash yourself and your cooking utensils. Do not use detergents, soaps or shampoos in waterways. Bury toilet waste at least 15cm deep and 50m from waterways.

Practice responsible fishing. Use lures or dead bait as live species may escape and establish a pest population. Comply with size and bag limits to help preserve fish stocks.

Practice low-impact camping

Use designated camping areas and existing camp sites. Altering or establishing new camp sites can cause long-term damage. Avoid tying things to or draping them over vegetation.

Keep camping areas hygienic. Use toilets where provided—please do not throw rubbish or chemical waste down them as they will stop working. Where no toilets are provided, bury only non-chemical waste and paper at least 15cm deep. Alternatively, bring a portable camping toilet and dispose of toilet waste at home.

Leave no trace. Leave your camp site cleaner than you found it. Bag all rubbish and take it home for recycling or disposal.

Keep to designated tracks. Walking or driving off designated tracks damages vegetation that is slow to recover and may damage important cultural sites.

Keep wildlife wild. Avoid attracting scavengers, including dingoes, and keep all your food and scraps in animal-proof containers at all times.

Leave your pets at home. You will protect your pet and native wildlife. Domestic dogs are only permitted at Red Rock and must be on a leash at all times.

Keep noise and light levels low. You will encounter more native animals during your stay and avoid disturbing other campers.

See caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Managing the Byfield area

Byfield’s parks and forests form part of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the Central Queensland coast. The area is managed with government agencies and local community groups to conserve the natural and cultural values of the area and protect life and property.

The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing’s (NPSR) Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responsible for managing Byfield National Park, Byfield Regional Park and the native forest and visitor areas of Byfield State Forest, within the framework of the Byfield Area Management Plan (PDF, 1.9M)*.

QPWS jointly manages Byfield State Forest with HQPlantations Queensland which is responsible for commercial forestry operations.